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| Staff Writer |
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French trainer, Jerome Reynier is a man deeply passionate about the world of horses, who turned away from a career in bloodstock to training, driven by a desire to work closer with horses and witness their growth firsthand.
His journey with US$6 million Gr.1 Dubai Turf winner, Facteur Cheval, exemplifies the complexities and rewards of using his knowledge and experience to train horses with unique backgrounds.
“As a trainer I can do all the different aspects of the of the business.
“On the commercial side of it I am always selling and buying horses for clients.
“As a trainer, I get to see the improvement and evolution of young horses. The breeding side is also very interesting.
“Furthermore, I also prefer to stay at home and watch racing on TV with my kids, instead of travelling constantly, which is what a bloodstock consultant has to do,” he said.
The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot presents its own set of challenges for the 5YO son of Ribchester. The stakes are greater, the prize a lot more prestigious. One wrong step could affect the plan for the year. Reynier has been meticulously analysing the environment, adapting training programs and strategies to suit the specific demands of the track and competition.
"It’s a step up in the program," he says, highlighting the increased intensity as they prepare both Facteur Cheval and Darlinghurst for the prestigious event.
Inspired by his father, Reynier developed a deep understanding of breeding and bloodstock, but he was keen for a deeper involvement with the breed.
"I like to be involved with the horses on a daily basis," he says, highlighting the multifaceted nature of training that appealed to him,” he says.
Facteur Cheval, a gelding with a fascinating story, became a significant chapter in Reynier's journey. Initially purchased at a foal sale for pin hooking, Facteur Cheval, came to Reynier after a failed attempt at selling him as a 2YO. Reynier shares the story of Facteur Cheval, a 3YO gelding from the first crop of Ribchester.
"He was bred by the McCracken family's small Northern Ireland stud. Jawlaat, the dam of Facteur Cheval, was a relatively cheap purchase from Shadwell Farms for 18,000gns. He was sent to Tattersalls in late November as a foal, the price tag of 145,000gns matched McCracken's estimation."
Initially, Facteur Cheval faced many challenges.
"Hubert Honoré tried to sell him at the breeze-up sales as a 2YO but failed. So, he decided to race him.
Although a beautiful physical specimen, Facteur Cheval had quite a long way to go mentally.
“When I was called, they explained the story. He physically was very nice looking but was very immature and tough to deal with." he recalled. However, he saw potential within the horse and took it upon himself to nurture its development.
Reynier's plan to race Facteur Cheval in Cagnes was delayed due to issues at the starting gates, requiring the horse to return to a horse whisperer.
"But once he won as a 3YO, a new owner became interested in the horse. It has been a different story since then."
Their bond grew with time, and Facteur Cheval began to flourish under Reynier's guidance. As the son of Ribchester matured, he began to show his true potential, winning the Gr.1 Dubai Turf (2024), a testament to Reynier's understanding of the horse's temperament and his ability to prepare him for success both mentally and physically.
Reynier underpins the importance of understanding each horse's individuality when he says, "They're all different, and you have to adapt the training and find the perfect rider."
This personalised approach extends beyond the racecourse as Reynier prioritises the mental well-being of his horses during travel: "You have to get the horse in shape and ready before he leaves. Then it's just a matter of keeping the horse happy."
Reynier's passion for horse racing, ignited by his father's enthusiasm for the sport. His childhood was filled with books on horse racing and hands-on experiences.
"My dad was an architect, but his passion was the horse industry, and he was a small owner-breeder in France," he recalls.
“And he had an intense interest for the entire game, breeding practices, and everything else. There were a lot of books back then, as people didn't use the internet much.
“I tried to figure out what he was looking at as he spent hours with these books.” he said
"I did placements with stud farms over my summer holidays," he shares.
This exposure not only sparked his interest in horse racing but also led him to seek out more opportunities.
His father's advice, "If you want to be involved in business, you have to speak English," proved pivotal, guiding him to a placement in Newmarket.
Guided by his father's wisdom and early exposure, Reynier’s journey into racing began in ernest much before he got his trainer’s licence.
With Royal Ascot offering a record £10 million in prize money in 2024, Reynier is optimistic about his horses' chances. Facteur Cheval, racing in the colours of Team Valour International and Gary Barber, has already proven himself on the world stage and is expected to continue his success.
Facteur Cheval had an impressive season last year, placing in four consecutive G1 events in Europe, including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
The handler is targeting the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, confident in the entire's ability to handle the competition and the pace of the race.
"We feel that he is a pure miler who was able to stretch out to nine furlongs in Dubai," he said.
After Royal Ascot, Facteur Cheval is set for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and potentially another tilt at the Gr.1 Dubai Turf.
Reynier is also excited about his other horses, Darlinghurst and Lazzat.
Darlinghurst, a son of Dark Angel, won the Gr. 3 Prix de Guiche at Chantilly, showed his potential with a strong racecourse gallop at Marseille Borely, is being aimed at the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He is also likely to attempt the Gr. 1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.
Reynier expressed confidence in the colt's form and prospects despite a €590,000 bid at an Arqana Online Sale.
Reynier also has ambitious plans for Lazzat, the unbeaten Prix Djebel winner. The gelded son of Territories has triumphed in three starts at Cagnes-sur-Mer this year and the Deauville Gr. 3 under Antonio Orani. Reynier is eyeing the Prix Paul de Moussac at Longchamp or the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot for Lazzat, with further hopes of competing at Goodwood for the Sussex Stakes.
"Maybe next year, we will see the best options for Darlinghurst. Lazzat is a very exciting prospect as well. We are just assessing the races that will work for him. He could be a very nice horse to travel as well. Maybe we'll go for Saudi."
Reflecting on his journey, Reynier acknowledges the importance of having a good team.
"It's a numbers game. It's just a matter of ensuring you're running your horses in the right places and training them the right way.
“It's also important to get good people around you because, as a trainer, you need a very good team to help you out. A lot of these things are now in place." he declared.
Reflecting on his career, Reynier expresses immense satisfaction: "I can't wait to watch him defend his title in this race next year." His ambitions for Facteur Cheval and other horses like Darlinghurst and Lazzat reveal an unwavering dedication to bringing out the best in each equine athlete entrusted to him.